Pharmacies, hospitals and manufacturers are reporting shortages of the common antibiotic amoxicillin, a dilemma experts say is approaching cold and flu season and more cases of respiratory syncytial virus are on the horizon. respiration, known as RSV.
The Food and Drug Administration issued a notice of shortages on Monday involving five major manufacturers of the drug commonly used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis in children.
One company, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, said in an emailed statement that it is continuing to allocate adequate supplies of amoxicillin to customers while looking to increase production.
Michael Ganio, senior director of pharmaceutical quality and practice for the American Association of Health System Pharmacists, says increased demand for antibiotics is causing shortages, not chain problems. Supply involves production, transportation and availability of raw materials.
“While there may be shortages on store shelves, it won’t last as each manufacturer can continue to make products,” Ganio said.
Society began hearing reports of amoxicillin shortages in mid-October, as well as healthcare professionals across the country reporting an increase in RSV cases, he said.
Although amoxicillin is not an appropriate treatment for RSV, clinicians may prescribe it for bacterial infections that may develop with or after viral illness.
Some manufacturers expect inventory levels to normalize in late November or early 2023, Ganio said.
“In the short term, that’s going to be inconvenient for some patients and providers,” said Erin Fox, senior director of pharmacy at the University of Utah Health. “Providers may want to check with the pharmacy to which they are sending their prescriptions, to make sure that strength is available. Otherwise, they may need to adjust their prescription.”
Suppliers and pharmacists can also try calling wholesalers and manufacturing companies to see if amoxicillin can be sent, said David Rosen, a partner and public policy attorney with Foley & Lardner. directly to local pharmacies.
Depending on the specific clinical situation, as well as the patient’s condition, there are alternatives such as ampicillin or drugs from a stronger class of antibiotics called cephalosporins, he said. But this may be a less favorable option for some.
“People are used to using amoxicillin,” says Rosen. “It’s inexpensive and it’s well tolerated. That’s why people like it.”
The low supply of amoxicillin is just one of more than 260 active drug shortages that society has tracked this year, Ganio said, many of which are “more related to both severity and scope”.
